Child-centered approach in youth sports

In this podcast episode, Dr. Rick Howard discusses the importance of adopting a child-centered approach in youth sports. He highlights that youth sports programs should prioritize the needs and interests of children, focusing on aspects such as fun, skill development, and social interaction. Dr. Howard emphasizes that the current youth sports landscape often prioritizes winning and elite teams, which conflicts with the original intent of youth sports programs. He suggests aligning sports programs with the ages and stages of children's growth and development, considering the psychosocial and social-emotional elements of youth development. By creating a child-centered approach, sports programs can better meet the needs of young athletes and foster their overall development.